About us
A community for writers of speculative fiction, emerging and established. This Meetup is designed for writers serious about their craft and will feature events to educate and support you.
We meet from 5.30-8.30pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Creator Space at Chatswood Library.
Upcoming events
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Short Story Club: 'Bright Hearts' by Kaaron Warren
Zensation Tea House, shop 82/792 Bourke St, Waterloo NSW 2017, Australia, Waterloo, AUShort Story Club is a reading club for time-poor people who love speculative fiction. Just like other clubs we read the story and discuss it... though expect to go deeper into craft as writers.
This session we're reading Ditmar finalist 'Bright Hearts' by Kaaron Warren.
Kaaron Warren published her first short story in 1993 and has had fiction in print every year since. She has published six multi-award winning novels (Slights, Walking the Tree, Mistification, The Grief Hole, Tide of Stone, and The Underhistory) and eight short story collections, the most recent being Calvaria Fell, with Cat Sparks.
No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story.
6 attendees
Scribes x WestWords Open Mic
Old Government House, Cnr Pitt and, Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia, Parramatta, AUWestWords has partnered with Sydney Speculative Scribes to take your word from the page to the stage. Come read a short story or an excerpt from your longer work and listen to other speculative fiction writers in an intimate and supportive environment.
In addition to RSVPing here on Meetup, please register at the link above so we can keep track of numbers as we are promoting across different platforms.
If you'd like to read, sign up to the open mic list when you RSVP via Humanitix. If there are slots available, you may also add your name to the list on the day.
Your reading should be:
- Speculative fiction (that's sci-fi, fantasy, horror, alt-history...)
- Ideally 5 mins, no more than 8 mins long (about 1500 words)
- Either a whole piece (microfiction) or a sensible chunk of a longer work (e.g. a chapter of a novel or a segment that leaves us wanting more from a longer short story)
- Rehearsed and ready for sharing.
How to get there:
If you are coming by public transport, the venue is 1 kilometre (about 15 mins’ walk) from the Parramatta Transport Interchange (train & bus), or 700 metres (about 10 mins’ walk) from the Church Street light rail stop.If you are coming by car, you can park:
- In Parramatta Park for free. The nearest parking area to Old Government House is the Bowling Green Car Park.
- If you are a Club Parramatta member, there is also free parking in O’Connell Street where the club stands.
- The Justice Precinct car park in Hunter Street is also fairly reliable but costs $14 per day.
You can also be dropped off by car right outside the venue.
Accessibility: Please notify us if you require accessible parking as there is limited space on-site. The Welcome Room is located behind Old Government House on level ground, but there is a slope to reach the building from the front gate. If you require ramp access, let us know in advance. There is an accessible toilet about 50 metres from the room.
2 attendees
Maria Linwood in Conversation & Workshop
Chatswood Library, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NS, AUCHATSWOOD LIBRARY SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE
Instead of Focus & Write this month we have a special treat. Maria Linwood will feature in two events: an 'in conversation' about her latest book (the second of a duology) and a presentation-style workshop on how she expanded her world and its narrative arc, starting with a short story that became a novel and then a duology.Remember to RSVP through the library for one or both sessions.
6-7pm: Maria Linwood in Conversation with Adeline Teoh
RSVP for Maria Linwood in Conversation
Join Maria Linwood in conversation with Adeline Teoh as they explore Maria’s latest epic fantasy novel, Mistress of Blood and Shadow.Return to the dark world of Sàgilorc, where a creeping Gloom, long-buried secrets and dangerous legacies threaten everything. Follow Tábala and her allies on a perilous quest where every step comes at a cost and not everyone may return.
About Maria Linwood
Dr Maria Linwood is originally from Hamburg. She has published one novel and two short stories in German. Since she moved to Australia in 2022, she has been writing epic fantasy in English. Maria enjoys being creative and is working on her skills with a paintbrush. Being outside – preferably in a mystic forest – is one of her favourite things. Maria loves being active on her bike or running. Most of all, she enjoys shared adventures with her brumby Nico (which she started and trained herself). She also holds a PhD in literature.About Adeline Teoh
Adeline Teoh is the co-founder of Sydney Speculative Scribes, a local writing community that meets monthly at the library for writing, networking and creative connection.RSVP for Maria Linwood in Conversation
7.30-8.30pm: Expanding Worlds with Maria Linwood
RSVP for Expanding Worlds workshopLearn how to grow a short story into a larger world and longer narrative while keeping characters, story arcs and tone consistent.
Author of the Mistress of the Ritual duology, Maria Linwood will present on how to use threads from a story to seed an expansive world and a longer narrative. For her duology, Linwood started with a short story, then wrote a novel and then another.
In this session, learn how to write and edit across different lengths while maintaining story arcs and tone, with tips on how to keep track of worldbuilding and character features.
RSVP for Expanding Worlds workshop
Do note a 'yes' RSVP on Meetup does not confirm your place, please RSVP through the library for one or both sessions.
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These sessions are in the Creator Space, straight down the main aisle from the front desk, though the sign may be obscured by books. If you are unable to locate the Creator Space, ask the staff at the front desk for its location; they are expecting us.How to get there
Public transport: Chatswood Library is located in The Concourse, 350m from major Chatswood transportation hubs, including Chatswood train station and Chatswood bus interchange.Parking: Parking is available at The Concourse car park accessible on Ferguson Lane via Archer St ONLY. Parking rates can be found here.
The library has lift access from The Concourse car park and from The Concourse, ground and upper levels. Parking is also available at Chatswood Chase adjacent to The Concourse on the corner of Archer St and Victoria Ave. The first 3 hours parking are free.
Cycle: Bicycle parking is available at library entrance.
Accessibility
For participants requiring stair-free access, this is available through the Ferguson Lane entrance through the parking garage. Ride shares or taxis should be directed to drop off at that location. If further assistance is needed please let the Meetup coordinators know in advance and we will do our best to assist.Please be advised that access from Victoria Ave does consist of a significant flight of steps up into the Concourse area.
2 attendees
Past events
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